“I’m getting discharged tomorrow,” I said.

“The doctor said my vitals are stable.”

“You can’t come up here alone,” Claire warned.

“I won’t be alone,” I said. “I’m going to bring the local police.”

“And I’m going to bring the paperwork that proves they forged my signature.”

“What about Ethan?” Claire asked.

“I’m going to call his command directly as soon as I hang up with you,” I said.

“Now that we have the fraudulent DD-2558, they have to release his administrative hold.”

“Be careful, Rachel,” Claire said. “Your father has a lot to lose if this gets out.”

“He’s already lost,” I said.

We ended the call.

I looked down at the hospital band around my wrist.

It had my married name, Rachel Carter.

For years, my parents had tried to control every aspect of my life, even choosing my career path before I left for the DoD.

They had never forgiven me for marrying Ethan and leaving their circle of influence.

Now, I understood why.

It wasn’t just about control.

It was about the money they had been stealing from our family for over a decade.